McCarthy Statement on Iran

Washington, DC — Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) released the following statement on comments the President has made regarding his Administration’s approach to Iranian negotiations:

“Although directed at lawmakers from his own party, I am offended by President Obama’s reported insinuation that Congressional concerns about Iran are driven by donors and politics. The President’s reported comments unfairly and incorrectly ascribe political motivations to the significant bipartisan concerns that many Members of Congress have about the Administration’s Iran policy. Both the Obama Administration’s concessionary approach to nuclear negotiations with Iran and its lack of an effective strategy to confront Iran’s continuing aggression and support for terrorism throughout the region provide ample reason for concern. Having recently returned from a trip to the Middle East, I can attest that these concerns are shared not only by Republicans and Democrats, but by Arabs and Israelis alike.

“As I have said before, I believe the Administration has fundamentally misread the nature and strategy of the regime in Tehran. Securing an acceptable agreement with Iran will be difficult, if not impossible, unless decision makers in Tehran face additional pressure from the United States and international community. I call upon the President to work with the Congress and America’s partners in crafting a strategy to increase the financial and diplomatic pressure on Iran, bolster the weakened credibility of our military threat, and confront the growing threat Tehran poses to international peace and security.”